Mass Intentions: The Historical Development of a Practice: [Mass Intentions—Part One]

Abstract

The issue of Mass intentions, where the priest is asked to “apply” a particular Mass for the intention of a donor, has been somewhat neglected in contemporary Eucharistic theology. But the continued practice raises a number of theological questions especially in light of the liturgical reform initiated by the Second Vatican Council. This article (the first of two) surveys the complex factors that went into the development of this practice. [Editor’s note: The second part will be published in the March 2021 issue.]